Do I have to register before I meet with a DPO?

There is no requirement to register until after a person has actually commenced lobbying. Under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, a person undertaking lobbying activities is required to register and submit a return of lobbying activity within 21 days of the end of the first relevant period in which they begin lobbying. For example, if someone lobbies for the first time during the month of October, that activity has taken place within the relevant period of 1 September – 31 December. The person would be required to register and submit their first returns by 21 January, 21 days after the end of the relevant period.